Richmond shows its hipper side

The Fan Kitchens and Gardens Tour in Richmond, Va., features restored early-20th Century homes.

The Fan Kitchens and Gardens Tour in Richmond, Va., features restored early-20th Century homes. (AP Photo)

Mike MorrisSpecial To The Sun

Ever wonder about the difference between lager, ale and stout?

Learn for yourself this weekend at Richmond's ninth annual River City Beer and Seafood Festival, which will include more than 50 microbreweries featuring various types of craft and imported beers in addition to an abundance of seafood - everything from oysters and crawfish to fried fish and crab cakes.

The festival, for which a crowd of about 10,000 is expected, will run from noon until 9 p.m. Saturday and from noon until 6 p.m. Sunday at Brown's Island in the James River. A pedestrian bridge to the island is at Seventh and Tredegar streets. About 10 musical acts will perform.

While you are in Richmond, don't overlook the city's highlights. As the capital of Virginia, Richmond has a long history dating to the 1700s, when George Washington saw the James River and its canals as a corridor to the West.

Now Richmond is known primarily as a college town, with several colleges and universities in the vicinity. And this means there's plenty to do.

Want to dance the night away?

Make your way over to the clubs of Shockoe Bottom. You'll find about a dozen bars and clubs, which usually close around 2 a.m., within an eight-block area.

Want to throw back a few beers?

Head to the Fan District, where bars are on almost every corner of Main Street. These bars generally offer the most reasonable drink prices and the best bar food. There won't be a cover in Fan-area bars, but you'll more than likely have to pay a small fee to enter the clubs in the Bottom.

So bars aren't your thing?

Then check out Cary Street, one block away from Shockoe Bottom. The one-way street runs for about 10 blocks and is filled with antique shops, vintage clothing stores, coffee shops and bookstores.

"It is a really eclectic area, attracting a diverse mix of people," Sarah Stiles, a 22-year-old Richmond-area native, says of Cary Street. "On a sunny spring or summer day the sidewalks will be packed with people."

During the day ...

Plan 9 Music (3012 W. Cary St., 804-353-9996, www.plan9music.com): This independent record shop selling both new and used CDs is known to locals for its used records in the basement and clearance items for less than a dollar.

Edgar Allan Poe Museum (1914 E. Main St., 804-648-5523, www.poemuseum.org): Although Poe was born in Boston and is buried in Baltimore, he grew up in Richmond. The museum claims to have the largest collection of Poe artifacts. Tickets are $6 for adults; $5 for students and seniors.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (1800 Lakeside Ave., 804-262-9887, www.lewisginte r.org): Lewis Ginter's new conservatory is the only classical, domed conservatory open to the public in the mid-Atlantic region. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Byrd Theatre (2908 W. Cary St., 804-353-9911): In the heart of Carytown, this stylish movie house screens second-run contemporary films in addition to old favorites and independent films.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (2800 Grove Ave., 804-340-1405, www.vmfa.state.va.us): The museum's current exhibit, Uncommon Legacies: Native American Art From the Peabody Essex Museum, has artifacts from 38 Native American tribes in addition to several headdresses from Brazil. Tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for students. Children are free.

Babe's (3166 W. Cary St., 804-355-9330): This club features country line dancing, dance parties and live music throughout the week. It's a great neighborhood spot that attracts a diverse clientele.

Have a Nice Day Cafe (11 S. 18th St., 804-771-1700): Baltimore's not the only place you can get down to some groovy '70s music. Open 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Poe's Pub (2706 E. Main St., 804-648-2120): A good place to go for drinks, Poe's is just down the street from the Poe Museum. It features blues, rock, country and zydeco bands, as well as barbecue ribs, burgers and catfish.

Nachos Mamas (3449 W. Cary St., 804-358-6262): At this Mexican cantina, it's all about the margaritas - all 21 flavors of them. Try the wild berry and popular blue Hawaiian. These popular drinks run $3-$7.

Chopstix (3129 W. Cary St., 804-358-7027): A staple Carytown restaurant, Chopstix serves Vietnamese and French food. An upstairs lounge boasts some of the hottest bands and DJs in town.

17.5 UnCommon Cafe and Books (17.5 North 17th St., 804-780-BOOK): Browse new and used books while listening to jazz. Make sure to grab a blueberry lavender scone and coffee while you're at it. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Cary St. Cafe (2631 W. Cary St., 804-353-7445): With its live jam sessions and Grateful Dead decor, Cary St. Cafe is Richmond's hippie hangout. Live music seven nights a week. Wednesday is bluegrass. Open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Expect to pay a small cover after 10 p.m.

Getting there

Richmond is about 150 miles from Baltimore, roughly a two-and-a-half hour drive. Take Interstate 95 south and follow signs straight toward Richmond.

More information

Contact the Richmond Region Visitors Center, 405 N. Third St., at 804-783-7450. The center, which offers assistance with lodging and has a gift shop filled with Richmond merchandise, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Also try the Historic Richmond Region Visitors Center at 888-RICHMOND or www.richmondva.org.